What is 100 mmHg vacuum force and is it enough for airway suctioning?
100 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is the approximate vacuum force generated by the NAR Tactical Suction Device on each squeeze-bulb cycle. For comparison, typical powered portable suction units generate 300–400 mmHg. The 100 mmHg of the manual Tactical Suction Device is effective for clearing oropharyngeal secretions, blood, and vomit from an accessible airway, but may be insufficient for very thick or large-volume secretions that require powered suction. For field use without electricity, 100 mmHg provides clinically meaningful airway clearance capability in a lightweight, non-powered format.
How does the double-valve design work?
The double-valve design allows continuous suctioning with one hand by creating two one-way valves — one that opens during the suction phase (allowing material to enter) and one that directs evacuated material to the collection bag during the bulb rebound phase. This means the tip can remain in the patient's airway throughout the suctioning cycle without needing to be removed and repositioned to expel contents. The operator's free hand can direct the suction tip to maximize clearance efficiency.
How much can the collection bag hold?
The clear collection bag attached to the outlet port holds over 1,000 mL of evacuated material. This capacity is sufficient for most prehospital airway clearance scenarios. The clear bag provides visual confirmation of the type and volume of material being suctioned — important clinical information for assessing the aspiration event and guiding ongoing care.
Does the Tactical Suction Device require batteries or electricity?
No. The NAR Tactical Suction Device is entirely manual — vacuum force is generated by the squeeze-and-rebound of the bulb mechanism. This makes it operational in all environments regardless of power availability: field, remote wilderness, vehicle crash site, building collapse, and power-failure scenarios. No batteries, charging, or electrical connection required.
Should the oropharynx be suctioned before or after NPA insertion?
Ideally, the oropharynx should be visually cleared of gross secretions before NPA insertion when feasible and when the secretion load is causing the obstruction. In a heavily blood- or vomit-filled airway, attempting NPA insertion without first clearing the airway may cause the NPA to become fouled and may not adequately address the obstruction. However, in a fast-deteriorating patient, NPA insertion and suctioning may be performed simultaneously or in rapid succession. Clinical judgment guides the sequence based on the specific presentation.
Is the Tactical Suction Device CoTCCC-recommended?
Suction is listed as a CoTCCC-recommended airway management intervention for obstructed airways in unconscious casualties. The Tactical Suction Device supports this intervention. Confirm current CoTCCC Recommended Items list for specific device status.
What training is required?
TCCC airway management training includes suction technique. MARCH-compliant TCCC courses cover device use. Supervised practice on an airway task trainer is recommended before operational deployment.
Does the device require power or batteries?
No. The Tactical Suction Device is manually operated and requires no electrical power, batteries, or cartridges — essential for austere and field environments without power infrastructure.
Is there an NSN for government procurement?
Contact MED-TAC International or North American Rescue for current NSN and CAGE code for DLA procurement.
What catheter tip sizes are compatible?
Refer to product documentation at narescue.com for compatible catheter tip sizes and replacement components for the Tactical Suction Device.
